Maryland Dairy of Distinction Applications Now Available

100 W. Washington Street, Suite 1401

Hagerstown, MD 21740 | 240.313.2380

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

Danielle Crabb, Director

Phone: 240-313-2384

Email: dcrabb@washco-md.net

MARYLAND DAIRY OF DISTINCTION APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE

Local Dairy Farms Encouraged to Apply

HAGERSTOWN, MD (March 27, 2018) – The Washington County Agricultural Department of Business Development in partnership with the Maryland Dairy Industry Association is pleased to announce that applications are currently being accepted for the 2018 Maryland Dairy of Distinction Awards.

Carprikorn Farms , located in Washington County, was honored as last year’s recipient of the Maryland Dairy Distinction Award. Alice Orzechowski and Scott Hoyman have been raising award-winning Saanen dairy goats for over 30 years.

The farm’s raw goat milk cheeses are handmade in small batches in the tradition of the best artisanal farmstead cheeses. The operation is Maryland’s first on-farm-home licensed goat cheese processor, and cheeses are marketed at multiple local groceries and farmers’ markets. Cheeses include cheddar, sharp cheddar, jalapeno cheddar, gouda, feta, and fresh and flavored chevres. The farm is often open to visitors during county farm tour weekends.

This year’s Maryland Dairy of Distinction award applications are due April 15, 2018. To complete the application, visit the Maryland Dairy of Distinction website or email secretary@marylanddairyindustry.org . Judging teams will visit farms during the months of May and June. An applicant’s ratings are based upon neatness, good maintenance, and other factors that can be controlled by the dairy producer. Farms may be judged each year as the award is presented on an annual basis.

For those in the agriculture community interested in more information, contact Leslie Hart, Agricultural Business Development Specialist at lhart@washco-md.net .

For additional information contact Public Relations and Marketing Director Danielle Crabb

at 240-313-2384.

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About Washington County, Maryland Government

Washington County, Maryland Government strives to fulfill its duty to the citizens of Washington County with regard to operational efficiency, fiscal responsibility, and responsiveness to the needs of the community. This vision is used to ably assist the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County in achieving goals for moving the County forward as present needs and future plans are addressed.

According to the Maryland Department of Legislative Services, the Washington County General Fund has one of the lowest costs per capita for services provided of all 23 counties and Baltimore City. This is attributed to the efficiency, staffing levels, and cost containment exhibited in Washington County Government operations. Visit www.washco-md.net for more information.